Research on the Impact of Slopes on Restorative Benefits and Landscape Preferences

(1) Background: As urbanization accelerates worldwide, mental health issues have become a major public health challenge, threatening the social sustainability of cities. Despite growing attention to restorative urban landscapes, the visual characteristics of slopes—an integral yet underexplored component—remain insufficiently studied regarding their psychological benefits. (2) Methods: This study employed an online questionnaire survey across three slope variable groups: gradient, quantity, and shape. Open-ended feedback was also collected to explore latent behavioral intentions. (3) Results: Perceived restorative benefit scores decreased with increasing slope gradient; however, this decline tended to level off when the slope exceeded 30%. Gradient changes primarily influenced emotional, cognitive, and behavioral dimensions, with limited effects on self-reported physiological sensations. Combinations of 2–3 slopes yielded the highest perceived restorative benefits, with significant gender differences observed. Irregular and curved shapes received the highest scores, whereas participants under 18 displayed a unique preference for sharp-edged forms. Open-ended responses frequently mentioned “lying down” and “lying flat.” (4) Conclusions: These findings reveal differentiated effects of slope visual characteristics on psychological restoration and landscape preference, offering evidence-based guidance for health-oriented and sustainable urban landscape design. These findings contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), by demonstrating how slope morphology can be strategically used to create restorative urban environments that support both human well-being and ecological rationality.